Study of Metamict Ceylon Zircons

E. R. Vance and B. W. Anderson

Chemistry Department, University College, London
The Laboratory of the London Chamber of Commerce, 15 Hatton Garden, London

Summary: X-ray, density, refractive index, and optical absorption measurements have been made on metamict Ceylon zircons. The appearance of a previously reported anomalous optical absorption spectrum in low Ceylon zircons has been associated with small particles of cubic or tetragonal zirconium dioxide in a radiation-damaged zircon lattice, in both heated and unheated stones. No evidence of a previously reported second phase was detected in intermediate Ceylon zircons.